X-Men ’97: New Information Regarding Beau DeMayo’s Actions Revealed
Following his dismissal in March before the launch of X-Men ’97, the situation between Marvel and former showrunner Beau DeMayo has reached a new stage.
X-Men ’97 is an animated series that serves as a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series, a cartoon that ran from 1992 to 1997. The series reunites much of the original cast and takes place in the same universe, picking up where that series left off with its story. First announced in 2021, DeMayo became the showrunner and executive producer. Having previously worked on Marvel’s Moon Knight, DeMayo was not new to the studio. Under his direction, the series was a massive success. Beloved by both critics and fans, it maintained a strong audience throughout. It has even received an Emmy nomination for its fifth episode, titled Remember It.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Marvel Animation’s #XMen97 for their Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Animated Program. pic.twitter.com/mQ4XZLJIoS
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 17, 2024
Even before release, Marvel had renewed X-Men ’97 for a second season and a third season in consideration. However, that all changed a week before the premiere in March when The Hollywood Reporter revealed DeMayo had been fired. At this time, DeMayo had completed writing duties on season two, was discussing season three, and was even working on a draft for the long-gestating Blade film. However, his sudden dismissal left him unable even to attend the premiere. With how well the series turned out, the intrigue among fans quickly turned to why Marvel had fired him. Some even demanded Marvel reinstate him.
I think it's safe to say that #XMen97 is the absolute BEST the MCU's been in years. The melodrama is SIZZLING, the emotions pack a wallop. Idk what happened or why but Marvel needs to move heaven & earth to get Beau DeMayo back & have him direct the X-Men movie while we're at it! pic.twitter.com/4FE8Y3PXWi
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) April 10, 2024
However, a few days ago the saga continued as DeMayo announced he had lost his producing credit on the upcoming second season. The reason, according to him, was that he had posted X-Men-themed fanart for Pride Month. What was even more surprising is that Marvel, a company that rarely intervenes in public disputes, fired back. Offering a quote to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel revealed that they fired DeMayo after an internal investigation led to findings relating to sexual misconduct.
Furthermore, Hollywood Insider Jeff Sneider elaborated on the allegations, reporting that DeMayo had been physically and mentally abusive to male and female assistants and staffers working on the series. DeMayo himself has promised more answers on the situation. What also doesn’t help, Disney has had a rocky history with its LGBTQ+ talent. Therefore, fans are more inclined to take DeMayo’s side even if new evidence suggests they should not.
This saga remains unfinished, and more news regarding the situation could arrive soon. X-Men ’97 will continue forward, with Matthew Chauncy taking over to revise and write the second and third seasons. We can only speculate what might happen next, but with the information out now it seems like Marvel made the right choice.
You can watch X-Men ’97 here on Disney+.
